Alberta considers emissions rules to win support for oil sector

Alberta looks likely to implement energy efficiency measures when it revamps its climate-change policy to win support for its oil sector, an about-face on the former premier’s vow that the province wouldn’t enact new rules until the U.S. did.

The province plans to have new regulations on emissions in the near future and may include a higher carbon price, Alberta's environment minister says.

The struggle by Alberta’s oil producers for access to new markets, as reflected in U.S. delays in approving the Keystone XL (TRP) pipeline, comes amid opposition to oil sands bitumen because of its higher carbon intensity and concerns around air and water pollution.